How to Hide Columns in Excel – 6 Ways With Easy Steps

For decades, Excel has been a go-to tool for organizing and analyzing data. But when spreadsheets get cluttered, hiding columns lets you focus on what matters without losing important information. This guide walks you through simple, practical ways to hide (and unhide) columns in Excel—perfect for beginners and casual users.

Excel Sheet View
Excel | Microsoft

Below, we’ll break down six easy methods to hide columns in Excel, whether you’re working with one column or dozens.

Hide Columns in Excel Using the Context Menu

The simplest way to hide columns is through Excel’s right-click menu. Here’s how:

For a Single Column

  1. Select the column: Click the letter at the top (e.g., “B” for column B).
  2. Right-click and choose Hide.
    Right-click menu with 'Hide' option
    Hiding a column via the context menu
  3. Check the indicator: A double line between columns confirms the hidden column. (Need to undo this? Jump to the “Unhide” section).
Double line indicating a hidden column
The Double Line “Hidden” Indicator | Appuals

For Multiple Columns

  1. Adjacent columns: Click the first column letter, hold Shift, then click the last column letter.
  2. Non-adjacent columns: Hold Ctrl and click each column letter you want to hide.
  3. Right-click any selected column and choose Hide.

Note: Hidden columns aren’t deleted! They’re just tucked away temporarily, which is safer than permanently removing data.

Alternate Methods

If the right-click method isn’t your style, try these alternatives:

1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Select your columns (single or multiple).
  2. Press Ctrl + 0 (zero).
    Keyboard with Ctrl+0 highlighted
    Keyboard shortcut for hiding columns

2. Using the Excel Ribbon

  1. Select your columns.
  2. Go to Home → Format → Hide & Unhide → Hide Columns.
    Excel Ribbon's Hide option
    Hiding columns via the Excel Ribbon

3. Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

For advanced users, VBA automates repetitive tasks. Here’s a quick script to hide columns:

  1. Open your sheet and press Alt + F11 to launch the VBA editor.
  2. Click Insert → Module.
    Inserting a VBA module
    Adding a new module in VBA
  3. Paste this code to hide columns A-C:
    Sub Hide_Columns()
    Columns("A:C").Hidden = True
    End Sub
    VBA code example
    Sample VBA code for hiding columns
  4. Press Alt + F8, select Hide_Columns, and click Run.
    Running a VBA macro
    Executing the VBA macro

4. Using the Group Feature (Adjacent Columns)

Grouping lets you quickly toggle column visibility:

  1. Select adjacent columns.
    Selecting columns to group
    Selecting adjacent columns
  2. Press Shift + Alt + Right Arrow to group them.
    Grouped columns in Excel
    Grouped columns with expand/collapse buttons
  3. Click the button to collapse or + to expand.

5. Hiding Specific Cells

To hide individual cells (not entire columns):

  1. Select the cells, right-click, and choose Format Cells.
    Format Cells dialog
    Formatting cells to hide content
  2. Under Custom, type ;;; and click OK.
    Custom format code
    Using ;; to hide cell values

How to Unhide Hidden Columns

  1. Select the columns adjacent to the hidden ones (look for the double-line indicator).
  2. Right-click and choose Unhide.
    Unhiding columns in Excel
    Restoring hidden columns

FAQs

Does hiding columns delete my data?

No! Hidden columns are just invisible. Your data stays safe and can be unhidden anytime.

What’s the easiest method for beginners?

Use the right-click menu. It’s straightforward and requires no shortcuts or coding.

Why can’t I unhide columns?

If “Unhide” is grayed out, your sheet might be protected. Go to Review → Unprotect Sheet and try again.

Excel freezes when I hide columns. Help!

Large spreadsheets can slow down Excel. Close other programs to free up memory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Muhammad Qasim


Qasim's deep love for technology and gaming drives him to not only stay up-to-date on the latest developments but also to share his informed perspectives with others through his writing. Whether through this or other endeavors, he is committed to sharing his expertise and making a meaningful contribution to the world of tech and gaming.